January 8, 2014

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories for federal financial assistance for conservation activities that benefit endangered species.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, provides grants to support voluntary conservation projects for listed and candidate species. For fiscal year 2014, the President’s budget requests $56 million in grant funding for CESCF.

Proposals must fall under one of three categories: Recovery Land Acquisition Grants, which provide funds for the acquisition of habitat in support of approved and draft species recovery plans; Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants, which provide funds to support the development of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) that protect habitat for listed species while providing for economic growth and development; and HCP Land Acquisition Grants, which provide funds to acquire habitat for listed species associated with approved HCPs.

To receive a CESCF grant, a state or territory must have a current cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior and contribute at least 25 percent of the total project cost or 10 percent when two or more states or territories undertake a joint project. Proposals must be submitted to the appropriate Service regional offices by March 14, 2014.

For more information and application requirements contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Restoration and Recovery, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Room 420, Arlington, VA 22203, 703-358-2171. The CESCF is number 15.615 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.